My CEO 143

143 Ducks In A Row (Judy)

I've managed to smuggle an untraceable phone into Ashlyn's facility, ensuring we can stay in touch. I mean, the poor girl, she needs someone who cares. Her mother has written her off completely now.

It's only right that I should visit. There's no trouble bribing half the staff to turn a blind eye to Ashlyn using a phone in her bathroom. She contacts me when she can. Later this will come in handy. For now, I'm just pretending I care about Ashlyn. A few minutes later, my phone buzzes.

A: I'll do anything for Jayden

J: I know you truly love him.

A: I'm sorry I hurt him

1. He's okay now

A: But he's with her

J: Time will fix it all. Trust me

The irony isn't lost on me. Ashlyn's obsession with my son is both her greatest strength and her ultimate weakness. As long as she believes she's doing this for him, she'll follow my lead.

I delete each text right away, ensuring there's no trace of our communication.

I pour myself a glass of wine and sink into my favorite armchair. The plan is working. Slowly but surely, I'm regaining control. Winona will slip up, and when she does, I'll be there.

To take Abby and Jayden back where they belong. With me.

I think back to the day of the shooting. I told Ashlyn where Winona would be, knowing she had a gun. I didn't anticipate Jayden's heroic act, but in the end, it worked out. He survived, and now I have another chance to remove Winona from our lives for good. No more attempts at her life though. I've learned that lesson now. As I sit there, savoring my impending victory, my phone buzzes again.

A: When will I see Jayden like you promised?

that keeping Ashlyn at bay is part

We need to get our ducks in

Ashlyn's strong suit, but I'll keep her in line. After all, she's just another pawn in my game. And I always win. The satisfaction of my plan

a silent toast to the future. A future where

ever wanted.

It's Gus. He's taking me to dinner. I set my glass down and

to find him standing there with that usual suspicious look in

Ducks lu &

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stepping Inside. "Are you

lead him into the

crossed, his gaze piercing. "I know you're up to something. I

diffuse his suspicion. "Gus, I'm not up to anything.

"You

"Believe what you

know you. I've seen

you know that I'd do anything for my son. Maybe if you talked to him, told him you found out I tried to call off the whole thing with the accident, he might forgive me sooner. Then I can move on without this stress. You'd like that, wouldn't you?" Gus frowns, considering my words. "Maybe. But I'm not

life. To see him happy, to spend time with Abby. And who knows, maybe I can finally travel to Europe like we

you mean. You've never

Jayden forgives me, even a little,

what he wants is the way to get Jayden to be more reasonable about my mistake. I mean, if I leave the country, Jayden will see I'm serious about

Don't think for a second that I won't find out if you're up to

sincere. "I understand, Gus. I appreciate you looking out for Jayden. For all of us." He sighs. "I hope you're being honest. Because if you're not, it's going to come back to haunt you.' I sit

glances at his watch. "There's a new restaurant in the

lovely. Let

"Gus, I really do want to make

Judy. I'll talk to Jayden. But you better

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